Into the Mists [Free Worlds Dominion of Hapes Hex]

[Laira Darkhold]

Objective 3
Rynmar, Hapan Rim Worlds

Missing an arm. Laira felt the phantom itch every now and then, she often reached for things with her missing limb as well. The injury had occurred days ago and the limb was healed over already, but the stump was still there. Missing everything from her elbow down, the doctors removed the damaged radius and ulna. Someone had said she looked reminiscent of Tenel Ka, a former Queen Mother of Hapes, but it was merely a reminder that she was not invincible. That her adventures were a risk.

The redhead brushed hair out of her face with her remaining hand, tidying the loose strands behind her ear with a sigh. Her vest concealed her small multi-weapon and her SoroSuub Renegade hung at her hip, latched in a holster. For the moment, the young ranger appeared much like a spacer waiting in the quiet restaurant for whoever else would be coming.

Spoiler

Objective 1) [member="Faith Organa"] and [member="Allana Badeaux"] + Hapan/FWC folks that want to do the diplomacy arc are more than welcome to attend. The Consortium can host at the capitol on Hapes at Ta'a Chume'Dan. SJO will likely send a representative as well.

Objective 2) Murk Raiders: Pirates aligned with [member="Gordosa"] the Hutt are using a base set in the Transitory Mists to raid Hapan ships inside the Cluster and strike out at nearby space. Whether due to experience traversing the Mists or tech Gordosa supplied them with they seem to be able to move through the mist with minimal difficulty allowing them to use guerrilla tactics with incredible efficiency. Their ships make heavy use of harpoons with tow cables, ion cannons, and boarding pods and are reportedly quick and agile. They also seem to have some form of stealth tech allowing them to fade into the Mists and seemingly vanish. The Free Worlds Coalition has requested its member worlds assist in removing this menace.
NPC Pirates striking in the Mists, PC Fleets to engage them.

Objective 3) Abduction: The Hapes Cluster has had a spree of Abductions take place, mirroring crimes that took place on Zeltros recently. Some are attributed to the Murk Raiders, but others are still open cases. The Ranger Corps and Order of Peacekeepers have agreed to assist in locating the perpetrators using good old fashion police work.
Remember this is only Part 1 of a rather long story, so it won't uncover the face behind it all, but we can uncover Gordosa's Kadjic's involvement and try to put a stop or make it more difficult for them to take people.

Objective 4) As always Bring Your Own Objective.

Anyone wishing to gain a Corporate Contract with the Free Worlds Coalition may always write their story providing some form of aid or assistance to the FWC.

 

[Derrick Veltraa]

Spoiler

@acanthus

Alasdair Sitra
Alessandro Waak'Tu
Alexander Sannes
Amelia Sorenn-Syrush
Andulf Nicholas Teraan
Asha Mataya-Syrush
Bazette Royalblaze
Brad Solo
Cal Sedaire
Camellia Swift
Delila Castillon
Dexen Yash
Draco Vereen
Dresden Verbrennung
Elpsis Elaris
Fiore de Noir
Gilamar Skirata
Hadleigh Purkis
HK-36
Jada Raxis
John Ash
Joza Perl
Kaida Taldir
Kosu Goram
Liliane
Lucien Dolos
Maria Natalja
Matthew Calderon
Myles Davorak
Natalia Sorenn-Syrush
Nima Tann
@orloch moretti
Rashae
Siobhan Kerrigan
Sirius Nova
@taryc ap'lrae
Tek Sidereal
Thalia Rist
@tomas yarrow
Vaena Askari
Vanja Del'Vaan
Von Kyux

Allana Badeaux
Relina Zhan
Jomyn Ravos
Songbird
Bryce Bantam

Aboard the prototype and first of the new standardized line for the revived Inexpugnable Class Tactical Command Ship, Derrick Veltraa felt a little uncomfortable in the captain's chair as he looked across the massive holo bridge at his array of officers. Named Pride of Rendili, the Inexpugnable Command Ship was a fair lot larger than any other vessel Veltraa had captained before. Normally in the hotseat of the Hammerhead Cruisers, the Rendili Defense Force Officer had never really thought he would be in command of a ship ten times the size of what he was accustomed to. However, Rendili Stardrive was a huge force on his homeworld and they were generous enough to provide the massive Command Ship to the Defense Fleet for use in the operation. Really he knew it was so they could showcase the design to the entire Free World Coalition, but he wouldn't complain about the added firepower to the fleet he controlled for the time being. Hopefully he could put on a good enough display for everyone so they were happy with the result.

More than that, however, Derrick Veltraa hoped to wipe out the pirate presence within Hapan space. The Coalition had called upon active planetary defense fleets to contribute to an ongoing effort to remove a large pirate incursion within the Hapes Consortium while the diplomats handled negotiations to bring the Consortium into the Coalition. In response, the higher ups of Rendili Home Defense Fleet had answered the call by sending the new Inexpugnable out with an escort of two Hammerhead Cruisers, Veltraa's own Vigil Heart and the Angel's Song, in order to hunt down pirate's staging area and wipe out any of their ships they encountered. Although at this stage of the operation as they neared the point to drop out of hyperspace, Derrick worried about what to do in the event the pirates had any of the abductees aboard which had prompted this operation in the first place. He supposed with proper plan of attack they could focus on disabling the pirates vessels rather than destroy them. It just depended on how many of them there were and whether or not they made a run for it at the first sight of the Coalition's Task Force.

Still, in the midst of it all Veltraa could do nothing but laugh heartily, bringing all eyes on the bridge on him at the sound. "Tell the pilots to hop into their fighters. If the Coalition's intelligence is correct then we should be near where these Murk Raiders frequently make their way in and out of the mists. If we see any we're going to disable them and grill them for where the staging area is. Aim for the engines and focus on ion cannon fire as well. We don't want any casualties of anyone they've abducted, this ship's ion cannons ought to be strong enough for the job right?"

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Ta'a Chume'Dan
Hapes, Hapes Cluster

It had been a long time since Stephanie Swail had been back to her home world of Hapes. A long time. Standing on the bridge over the waters of Ta’a Chume’Dan, it was a bridge that her mother Mya had stood on with a little innocent girl looking up the great palace of the Consortium and dreamt about what good would soon befit their world.

The little girl grew up, left Hapes reluctantly and became something only she wished her parents could see today. She absently trailed her fingers on the smooth stone as her hazel eyes stared down into the gentle water below.

Now she was here in her cream Hapan gowns and brown robe, a hooded lace shawl that only helped heighten her simple beauty. The weapon of the Jedi hung at her side, for now she wasn’t here as the little girl; she was her as the Padawan Jedi helping bridge relations between her Order and the Consortium. It was her greatest wish to be able to call Hapes her home again one day, and she would do anything to preserve its peace and stability in the Inner Rim and wider galaxy.

Awaiting contact from an elder of the Silver Jedi, Stephanie was in no rush, and would be there when she was requested. It could be Master Kitra, it could be another, she did not know. With all these new alliances forming and exciting new relations being made, the Silver Jedi had a job to do in convincing and showing others of their good nature.

Stephanie was going to help be the link between her home and her Order to prove that.

Wisps of brown braided hair blew across her mouth and nose gently as her mind wandered. Wandered to recent events, places and people. How quickly her world was opening up.

 

[Allana Badeaux]

Objective 1
Hapes Prime, Ta’a Chume’Dan
The Fountain Palace

It was a gorgeous day. Well the beginning of one. The weather report promised another warms summers day. There were plenty of opportunities for the common populace to enjoy the tranquil beaches or lakes of Hapes Prime. Some my rather stay indoors with their centralized air conditioning?

The city of Ta’a Chume’Dan was bustling with activity. There were minor complaints from a small group of nobles about today’s guest. Traditionally The Hapes Consortium was isolationist. It had been a tradition for a long time to shun outside influences. There was a mixed call however because of recent events. Attacks by Sith and remnant Imperials. An attack that took their Queen Mother Katriel Larenia Chume. It had left them and the Queen Mother’s niece Allana Badeaux to recover from a blow that nearly crippled their society. Many were lost in the attack. The capital city Ta’a Chume’Dan and the Fountain Palace was rebuilt. Allana still was trying to rebuild the Royal Council. Between feuding Nobles and darker influences within the galaxy, Allana’s time had suffered when trying to rebuild the Royal Council.

It was publicly known now that the Queen Mother was died. It was not something Allana could keep quiet forever. There had been no coronation ceremony by Allana to claim the crown. Typically it was done by ceremony with the Royal Council placing the crown upon the rightful heir. As of yet there had been no movement to displace Allana from her seated power.

Today was on a positive note. Guest where here today from the Free Worlds Coalition and The Silver Jedi. The Hapes Consortium was not alone in this galaxy. Allana moved to give the Hapes people hope and security. It seemed like a popular move with the people of the Consortium. Time will tell if this was a wise move for the young Hapen Royal.

[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Gordosa]

LOCATION: Transitory Mists Base
OBJECTIVE: Steal peoples

Gordosa sat upon a large cushioned couch in his flagship "The Black Betty" and sipped gingerly from his Margarita bowl. A gaudy pure gold suit tailored for his girth was worth more than every slave he had taken so far but a Hutt had to keep up appearances. A similarly gilded sombrero sat atop his sluggy head and he chuckled to himself as he watched daytime holovision. His crews had been playing a lovely game of cat and mouse with the locals for quite some time now but His current Employer [member="Cecile Miraxus"] was paying him enough to buy gold suits and drink margaritas from crystal bowls so what did it really matter?

His chuckle stopped when his Jawa servant stopped fanning him with a palm branch and fell off the platform from exhaustion. Gordosa, clapped slowly and his Gamorean guard walked over to grab the jawa by the foot and dragged himm out of the room before sending in a new servant to fan the oh so girthy Hutt. Gordosa waited calmly for five seconds before growing impatient and tried to cross his arms in displeasure. However, do to his size he had to settle for folding his hands together. Finally, after 30 whole seconds a new slave came in and took up fanning in silence. Not even groveling! Gordosa pulled his concussion rifle from his side and shot that slave too with a roll of chortling. The next slave was there in only 10 seconds and groveled for forgiveness the whole way to the palm branch.

"That was pleasing." Gordosa said as reports came in of the latest catch of slaves being finally counted, separated, and ready in the cargo hauler.

"Send another raid." Gordosa said as he rolled a big Orange eye to his major domo.

"At once, oh majestic one." The slimy Devorian said as he bowed and retreated to relay the order.

Gordosa changed the channel and returned to giggling to himself. He had found the Hapan news network, it always amused him.

[member="Laira Vereen"] [member="Allana Badeaux"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Derrick Veltraa"]

 

[Talon Vosra]

She sat smiling politely as yet another boring nobleman told her how wonderfully great he was in the most discrete way available to his limited wits. It was amusing, truly, but only as far as any ridiculous animal's mating rituals could be. She sipped a very nice white wine from a her glass and nodded as he asked if she would be home long.

"Oh, yes." She said making sure to sound just as vapid and clueless as he hoped her to be. "I plan on renovating my family estate and taking residence again. My home on Coruscant is getting dreadfully boring."

She sipped again and plucked an olive from a serving tray as it was offered to her. Gordosa better deliver his promised number of slaves or she would be very put out. The number of her followers was growing by the day but turning the few force sensitives she had found was a long and taxing process. Soon some of the stronger members of the brotherhood would be able to take up her work and remove her from the need to do it herself but for now she had to do endure.

She smiled and stood slowly with a sigh as he was launching into another stirring account of how much he owned and would soon acquire.

"I'm so very sorry, but I am in need of some fresh air." She said as she noted several people that would make getting a foot hold in the Hapes cluster a more smooth transition. "Excuse me. Do keep my seat for me would you?"

She smiled as she walked away and made extra sure the sway of her hips was noticeable yet not exaggerated.




[member="Laira Vereen"] [member="Allana Badeaux"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Derrick Veltraa"]

 

[Lucienne Sinclair]

Objective 1
Hapes Prime, Ta’a Chume’Dan
The Fountain Palace

The Hapes society was collapsing.

Progressives at every given movement is continuously bringing down the constrictor to it's knees, and it's been bringing conservatives such as Lucienne to an absolute fustration.

The dirty peasants had always been weak before Relina stepped up to the scene. But now, everyone seems to want to trust outsiders, and even have Hapes join in a dangerous position of breaking it's neutrality to join forces with outsiders. This very idea churned Lucienne's stomach. She does not trust anyone nor will ever trust anyone that is outside of the cluster, for they are all Patriarchal swine. "No man rules the Hapes." a famous prince in his place once said.

Well now, it feels as if man will rule the utopic society that is this nation. This will not stand for her.

Lucienne was dressed in her admiral uniform with her signature colored sash of her family, and was glaring at those who were from the Free Worlds Coalition and the Silver Jedi Order, one being less trustworthy than the other. The Jedi had always been proven a reckless mess for the Hapan people. The trust for the Jedi seem to have sharply increased, but not to Lucienne nor her conservative coalition. No Jedi should ever be allowed to be trained under her ideal society, for they bought war and destruction and hypocrisy wherever they go, regardless of what type of order they were. The other, the Free World Coalition, though a helpful ally, is not really welcomed to her eyes. She feels this might just be a bluff to pull Hapes out of her neutrality status. And that is something Lucienne does not want.

With a glass in her hand, sipping some Hapan Wine, she glared at the other members of the FWC that was there with a "hmph" and flicked her hair. She was defiantly not pleased about any talks nor diplomacy, believing in self-sufficiency and neutrality. Of course, her nearby conservative allies were probably doing the same thing.

[member="Allana Badeaux"], [member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Laira Vereen"], [member="Derrick Veltraa"], [member="Cecile Miraxus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Objective 3
Rynmar

The servant droid poured orange juice into Laira's glass carefully, refilling the Princess's drink and removing the plate of picked at berries and pancakes. Laira had not anticipated that eating would be so difficult with only one hand, but when it had come to trying to cut the pancakes and pour syrup on them, she had struggled greatly. So bad that she had given up and just ate what she could in a fairly messy manner.

Having lost the arm only two days ago, she hadn't had time to go home and see her family yet. To show it off to her mother and father, which would no doubt land her in some kind of trouble. Sure they would understand her reasons were valiant and noble, at least one of them would be overly worried about her. In her mind, the redhead couldn't blame them if they were, she was running around through the galaxy, barely calling home, almost never visiting. They knew some of what she did here and there, but for the most part her parents knew nothing of what she was doing or how she was. To come home for the first time in months without her arm, they would want changes.

And for some reason, despite having lost an arm to a ghoul and endangered herself, the redhead didn't want to make any changes to her behavior. She still wanted to thrill-seek with fast ships and fight, protect people that couldn't protect themselves.

"Thanks." The young Ranger dropped a few credits on the table and stood to leave. She had leads to track down about these abductions.

 

[Derrick Veltraa]

Spoiler

[member="Laira Vereen"]
[member="Lucienne Sinclair"]
[member="Cecile Miraxus"]
[member="Gordosa"]
[member="Stephanie Swail"]

@acanthus

[member="Alasdair Sitra"]
[member="Alessandro Waak'Tu"]
[member="Alexander Sannes"]
[member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"]
[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"]
[member="Asha Mataya-Syrush"]
[member="Bazette Royalblaze"]
[member="Brad Solo"]
[member="Cal Sedaire"]
[member="Delila Castillon"]
@Dexen Yash
[member="Draco Vereen"]
[member="Dresden Verbrennung"]
[member="Elpsis Elaris"]
[member="Fiore de Noir"]
[member="Gilamar Skirata"]
[member="Hadleigh Purkis"]
[member="HK-36"]
[member="Jada Raxis"]
[member="John Ash"]
[member="Joza Perl"]
[member="Kaida Taldir"]
[member="Kosu Goram"]
[member="Liliane"]
[member="Lucien Dolos"]
[member="Maria Natalja"]
[member="Matthew Calderon"]
[member="Myles Davorak"]
[member="Natalia Sorenn-Syrush"]
[member="Nima Tann"]
@orloch moretti
[member="Rashae"]
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
[member="Sirius Nova"]
@taryc ap'lrae
@Tek Sidereal
[member="Thalia Rist"]
@tomas yarrow
[member="Vaena Askari"]
[member="Vanja Del'Vaan"]
[member="Von Kyux"]
[member="Allana Badeaux"]
[member="Relina Zhan"]
@Jomyn Ravos
[member="Songbird"]
[member="Bryce Bantam"]

As the Rendili Fleet came out of hyperspace, Derrick couldn't help but take in the breathtaking view that was the Transitory Mists laid out beyond the bridge's viewports. These were the legendary obstacle that had safeguarded the Hapes Cluster for thousands of years. By being difficult to navigate and far too risky to make random hyperspace jumps through, the mists prevented outsiders from properly invading the Hapes Consortium while giving the native Hapans who knew the routes through it an immense advantage in battling their enemies within it. Of course that simply left the Rendili Captain feeling curious how pirates were making their way through it and using the area as a base. If the Hapans were aware of the slaving and kidnapping the pirates were up to, which he assumed they were but then he never did ask Coalition personnel for the details on the info for the pirates, then they must be livid that one of their own might be feeding information to the criminal scum.

Well hopefully after all of the Murk Raiders were routed and their prisoners freed no one would have to worry about kidnappings within the system so frequently. "Fighters launched Captain, Red, Blue, and Green Squadrons are go. Vigil Heart and Angel's Song have also reported the deployment of their support fighters. Our remaining starfighters are remaining in hangar as reserve." While normally Veltraa would have ordered all fighters launched for the operation, he understood why they would keep things to the minimum now. With the Transitory Mists just ahead, reducing the number of craft that could get separated from the main group was a good idea. Before he could thank the officer for their work though, controlled chaos seemed to erupt on the bridge as a croa at the sensor suite began signaling for the attention of the twi'lek at the helm. "Captain Veltraa, unknown signatures exiting the Mists, reading five cruiser analogs at least and maybe a picket of some sort. They don't match any Hapan designs or anything active within major galactic governments. Helm can bring us around for intercept within sixty three seconds."

Hearing the news, the bridge crew was in a flurry as everyone began to respond and take action. Derrick himself standing up straight as his voice boomed and he stood tall over the bridge consoles. "Issue a warning on opens channels for the cruisers to to stand by and prepare for inspection in regards to the recent pirate incursions in the area. Send orders for our Hammerheads to come alongside the Command Ship, we'll approach the flotilla cautiously. All active squadrons will maintain defensive screens around their home ship. Have our gunnery crews tracking those analog signatures as well, just in case." Watching as the various officers spoke through comm units, coordinating the other ships, informing squadron commanders of their orders, providing targeting data to gunners, and issuing the hold to warning to the unknown flotilla, Captain Veltraa brimmed with the energy that saturated the bridge as he looked out into the Mist, looking for the detected cruisers existing the Mists.

 

[Faith Organa]

Objective 1
The Fountain Palace
Post 1

How many worlds had the Sith gone and destroyed just because it was possible? Faith couldn’t answer that question really but I could feel the pain that Hapes had felt when it was done.

Faith had been fortunate though her mother had been away some would have called it fate. She figured it was just dumb luck.

Once more though I was going to step out and speak to someone who had lost their home and now wanted to rebuild it. That’s why she was here to ask them if they wanted help. Course she would also include an invitation to join the Coalition.

Faith looked up to the sky as she made my way off the ship it was a beautiful day to be here. The trip through the mists had been frightening. She couldn’t help but feel some dread as they came across some ships that had seen battle. The ships broken hulls looked like gaping wounds had been sliced into their sides. They would float out there endlessly lost among the mists until someone found a new use for them.

War. Thank god Draco no longer left home for it Faith wasn’t sure she could handle it anymore. Or maybe she didn’t want to handle it she didn’t know really. But he was home safe that was what mattered.

The Fountain Palace long had she heard rumors about its beauty and she’d finally get to see it. It would have been better under other circumstances but here she was.

She kept four of her guards with her unsure of the reception see the other thing she knew about Hapans were very…not sneaky private and cunning would describe it.

Faith and her party approached the Palace her eyes traveled up the walls, wow…

[member="Lucienne Sinclair"] [member="Allana Badeaux"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Double post.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

Objective 4
Hapes Prime, Ta’a Chume’Dan
Post: 1

And so it was that despite his better judgment Andulf had taken off on his own. Leaving behind his own personal guards and letting Ja'rrod his House captain in charge of dealing with things while he was away. Which he did seem after having been given the impression the young Count has seemed to be back to his old tricks. Of skipping town and take some time off on his own engaging in a bit of personal time off. But if truth be told it was if nothing else just a rouse for unbeknownst to all something else was at play. Something even Andulf himself had not expected....

Having received an encrypted message from a channel line he'd never expected to come. Had all but peek his curiosity that he none the less check it out and was utterly surprised. As the message had all but alone message and a name someone he had all but never thought would hear from again Which of all places lead him here wait on a bench by the many gardens here on Hapes Prime.

 

[Allana Badeaux]

Objective: 1​

Hapes Prime, Ta’a Chume’Dan​

The Fountain Palace​

​

The Grand Duchess had yet arrived from the upper levels of the palace. This was typical practice in Hapen Society. In place of having no Queen Mother, Allana had to fill the void. In typical ceremony she was to come down the stair case to great the guest after the majority of them had arrived. Such a time was close at hand. The halls of the Fountain Palace as filling with feeling of tidings of joy, that is with soft whispers of political intrigue.

[member="Stephanie Swail"][member="Cecile Miraxus"] [member="Lucienne Sinclair"] [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Derrick Veltraa]

Spoiler

[member="Laira Vereen"]
[member="Lucienne Sinclair"]
[member="Cecile Miraxus"]
[member="Gordosa"]
[member="Stephanie Swail"]

@acanthus

[member="Alasdair Sitra"]
[member="Alessandro Waak'Tu"]
[member="Alexander Sannes"]
[member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"]
[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"]
[member="Asha Mataya-Syrush"]
[member="Bazette Royalblaze"]
[member="Brad Solo"]
[member="Cal Sedaire"]
[member="Delila Castillon"]
@Dexen Yash
[member="Draco Vereen"]
[member="Dresden Verbrennung"]
[member="Elpsis Elaris"]
[member="Fiore de Noir"]
[member="Gilamar Skirata"]
[member="Hadleigh Purkis"]
[member="HK-36"]
[member="Jada Raxis"]
[member="John Ash"]
[member="Joza Perl"]
[member="Kaida Taldir"]
[member="Kosu Goram"]
[member="Liliane"]
[member="Lucien Dolos"]
[member="Maria Natalja"]
[member="Matthew Calderon"]
[member="Myles Davorak"]
[member="Natalia Sorenn-Syrush"]
[member="Nima Tann"]
@orloch moretti
[member="Rashae"]
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
[member="Sirius Nova"]
@taryc ap'lrae
@Tek Sidereal
[member="Thalia Rist"]
@tomas yarrow
[member="Vaena Askari"]
[member="Vanja Del'Vaan"]
[member="Von Kyux"]
[member="Allana Badeaux"]
[member="Relina Zhan"]
@Jomyn Ravos
[member="Songbird"]
[member="Bryce Bantam"]

In the end Derrick neither had to look long for the cruisers nor did he need to wait for their response to his communication for them to hold and stand to. After all, both the cruisers locations and their answers were evident from the flashes of heavy laser cannon fire that lanced toward the Rendili warships. "Raise forward deflectors on all forces, helm bring us ahead we have our answer. Prepare targeting solutions for all capital ships ion cannons at full power." Rubbing the top of his head with a sigh, the Defense Force Captain was simply astounded by the hostility the pirates had. They could tell it wasn't going to be an easy win for them right? They could have at least tried to appear cooperative for a little bit couldn't they? Then maybe turned on them when they were closer or had their defenses lowered preparing to board for inspection. Well the Rendili Officer supposed it worked out better for him this way since they knew they had found the pirates without taking any losses for it.

"Captain Veltraa, hostile cruisers are pulling back into the Mist, we're going to lose accurate reads if they get in deep. . .shall we pursue?" Stroking his chin as he looked out the bridge's viewport as blue ion cannon shots pierced the Mist and vanished from sight, leaving it to one's hope and imagination if they managed to hit their targets. In all good consciousness Derrick could not let the pirates escape if they had slaves aboard who they were attempting to protect from the scum. Plus who knew whether they would find the pirates so easily another time. "Continue our forward motion, we're going to keep together and pursue them if they keep close to the edge."

 

[Miel Tevv]

Luxury 5000 Yacht SS Belefonte
Hapes Orbital Approach

Director Miel Tevv of the Sullust based SoroSuub Corporation wrung his hands nervously as he complied with a signal light triggered from his personal yacht's cockpit, indicating that passengers should secure themselves for reentry procedures. Even with such a uniquely suited guide in the form of his right hand, Nathanos Darksword, winning favor in the Hapan courts would be an uphill struggle. Nathanos may be of the world's noble class, but his status as an exile wouldn't win them any political favors, and the fact that they were both male would be an even greater challenge to overcome.

SoroSuub had debated sending a female representative to smooth over introductions, but from his position overseeing the newly constructed corporate station in orbit of Duro that served as a new regional headquarters, Tevv was by far the closest high ranking official. His superiors were eager to seize hold of a unique opportunity to ingratiate themselves into the Hapan markets. Sith incursions had severely destabilized the independent provincial government, and a perennial piracy problem within the Transitory Mists had grown bold in the chaos as they preyed upon civil unrest.

Ordinarily, the odd little Sullustans with their historically patriarchal society would have little chance making headway into markets of a xenophobic Hapes Cluster, but these were not ordinary times. And they were hoping that the megacorp's grand tribute in orbit over the planet would go a long way to mitigating those disadvantages. The Hapans were facing a security problem, and aside from energy harvesting security was SoroSuub's specialty. Dozens of Nyubba drivers had hauled massive cargo barges out of hyperspace, filled to capacity with everything from starfighters to powersuits to small arms.

Within the hour they would receive clearance to land in Ta'a Chume'Dan, and with them the Director and his subordinate carried a proposal to donate the lot to Hapes' defense force, with promises to sell more at exorbitantly subsidized cost, not only to Hapes but to representatives of the Alderaanian Coalition as well, whose presence Miel was acutely aware of. It was through the Free Worlds' Coruscant embassy that they had learned of the Hapan plight to begin with, and where other executives' may have seen competition, Director Tevv knew Alderaan's interests were aligned with those of the Galactic Alliance in many respects.

"You ready?" Nathanos interrupted his train of thought from his position buckled into the seat across from the Sullustan, "We may not receive the warmest welcome from the local authorities."

"You know, there are times I struggle with the existence of our weapons division," Miel replied after a pause, looking not at the Hapan subdirector across from him but out the star yacht's viewport at the jewel of the Cluster below, "But then I see all the potential good we can do in places just like this one. I can tolerate a little ethnocentrism if it will allow us to make these peoples' lives better."

[member="Laira Vereen"] | [member="Allana Badeaux"] | [member="Lucienne Sinclair"] | [member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]​

 

[Faith Organa]

Objective 1
Fountain Palace
Post 2

Hapans enjoyed the political intrigue of policing one another and finding favor that gave them power. What could Faith offer the Hapans right now? She had political intrigue at home never knowing what noble was doing what to another and she playing referee. She had a feeling though that this wasn't exactly that. This felt different.

The beauty of Hapes had not escaped her it was living up to the reputation but she had seen the reports she knew what cost it had been to get it back to this. But not everything was as bright shiny and polished, no there were cracks in the armor of the people of the Consortium. They needed help Faith and the Coalition were here to offer it but the right words were needed.

Entering the grand foyer of the Fountain Palace almost took her breath away never had she imagined such beauty. If the people of Naboo could see this their artists would be building replicas across Naboo.

Faith was held up by one of the members of the Hapan court explaining that [member="Allana Badeaux"] had not yet entered the throne room and they would have to wait until she was ready to receive them.

"Really.Very well" She would have to assume she knew they had arrived. Faith could feel the stares of the nobles around her, the smiles and frowns marking their outwards faces. She thought Hapans never showed emotions. A misconception?

Perhaps she should have invited them to play sabaac first. She waited her hands folded like a child.

[member="Lucienne Sinclair"] [member="Cecile Miraxus"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Rynmar
Objective 3

The one-handed Ranger ducked under the tape, slipping past the first few officers before one of them approached her and recognizing the badge on her hip. Young Rangers wasn't incredibly uncommon, though Laira was probably five or so years younger than most of the CorSec folks sent for their rotation in the Corps. Her file attributed a genius level intellect and experience evading law enforcement as a smuggler on the outer rim for her accelerated career path. "Ma'am, we weren't expecting any help with this."

"Ranger Darkhold. Don't worry about me, I'll be running an investigation alongside yours. I won't interfere, promise." She batted her eyelashes a little to put the detective at ease.

"Detective Auran, my partner," he waved towards a dark-haired woman speaking with the forensics team behind them, "Fulger. She's getting the preliminary forensics but it looks pretty cut and dry. Abduction took place around three in the morning, perps used Light-absorbing cells to cover themselves. Broke into her speeder and yanked her out, left through the ally to a waiting speeder. Could be anywhere by now."

"Any of the shops have security Holocams?" Laira asked, looking around the immediate area. The intersection was fairly busy this time of day, but the peaceful suburbs were quiet at night. These detectives were probably decent, but the crime rate around these parts were fairly low. Overall it was a good thing, but low crime rates meant inexperienced officers; one of the main reasons CorSec dumped their rookies into the Ranger Corp these days.

"Some uniforms went to ask, haven't heard back yet. No traffic cams in this spot. There are some down the road and back that way though." The detective glanced around through the small crowd watching the police work. "Perfect spot for it. Lightabsorbing cells basically blinded the woman. Probably used infrared goggles."

The redhead nodded, but had started ignoring the chatty Detective, moving around the crime scene. Once she took a few steps the Detective shrugged and went back to what he was doing. The Force was an interesting and useful when investigating, however her skills with the Force were not quite so refined. She received only vague gut feelings moving her in a direction, but she was smart enough to follow that subtle feeling and keep her eyes open. The feeling took her outside the crime tape, and down one of the alleyways behind the bodega the young woman had been abducted from. A small tuft of hair on a piece of exposed pipe. She took the tuft into a small little plastic bag and returned to the crime scene.

"Hey, this might be useful. My partner should be by shortly, we'll do a rundown of the area. If you could forward us the results from the lab, I'd really appreciate it." Jurisdiction was one thing police liked to fight with each other about, none of them liked the idea of someone else taking over their case or claiming they didn't do a good enough job, but they normally didn't mind doing a favor for a pretty young redhead.

Once Theo arrived they could get together and speak with the locals themselves. There were apartments on opposite street, perhaps they saw or heard the commotion, and the owner of bodega had swore he didn't have security holos, but it was worth asking again. She had a bad feeling about that shop in the pit of her stomach.

[member="Theo Vereen"]

 

[Theo Vereen]

Rynmar
Objective 3

Theo was walking up he could hear [member="Laira Vereen"] talking to the other investigators it was taking him a while to get use to this Ranger Darkhold alias that she used all the time. He didn't quite get it but he had to know her picture was plastered all over Alderaan and Aldera she couldn't hide behind their grandfather's name forever.

He nodded showing his badge as he slipped under the tape. He looked around quickly for anything that might just jump out at him and say here here look at me. What he saw though bothered him it was evident that these folks had moved things. Feth didn't they teach them anything out this far?

He watched her walk down the alley as he introduced himself the detectives on scene nodding, "Theo Vereen" if anyone tied him to his father and mother fine, if not fine. He didn't hide who he was. It wasn't helpful sometimes and right now considering he had been tagged for a few holo interviews it would look bad if he lied or misled them.

Laira came back with that look that said I found something...he nodded and walked over towards her, "Hello Laira" No hint that he was her brother, "been walking I see" he watched the bag move about, "something interesting?"

 

[Derrick Veltraa]

Spoiler

[member="Laira Vereen"]
[member="Lucienne Sinclair"]
[member="Cecile Miraxus"]
[member="Gordosa"]
[member="Stephanie Swail"]

@acanthus

[member="Alasdair Sitra"]
[member="Alessandro Waak'Tu"]
[member="Alexander Sannes"]
[member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"]
[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"]
[member="Asha Mataya-Syrush"]
[member="Bazette Royalblaze"]
[member="Brad Solo"]
[member="Cal Sedaire"]
[member="Delila Castillon"]
@Dexen Yash
[member="Draco Vereen"]
[member="Dresden Verbrennung"]
[member="Elpsis Elaris"]
[member="Fiore de Noir"]
[member="Gilamar Skirata"]
[member="Hadleigh Purkis"]
[member="HK-36"]
[member="Jada Raxis"]
[member="John Ash"]
[member="Joza Perl"]
[member="Kaida Taldir"]
[member="Kosu Goram"]
[member="Liliane"]
[member="Lucien Dolos"]
[member="Maria Natalja"]
[member="Matthew Calderon"]
[member="Myles Davorak"]
[member="Natalia Sorenn-Syrush"]
[member="Nima Tann"]
@orloch moretti
[member="Rashae"]
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
[member="Sirius Nova"]
@taryc ap'lrae
@Tek Sidereal
[member="Thalia Rist"]
@tomas yarrow
[member="Vaena Askari"]
[member="Vanja Del'Vaan"]
[member="Von Kyux"]
[member="Allana Badeaux"]
[member="Relina Zhan"]
@Jomyn Ravos
[member="Songbird"]
[member="Bryce Bantam"]

As the Rendili warships slowly eased into the Mists, wary of the pirate cruisers attempting to circle back around to flee behind them, Derrick stroked his chin as he let his eyes wander the Mists fruitlessly. It was impossible to expect a visual confirmation of their targets locations, the distance alone wasn't just the issue the Mists themselves were much worse than their atmospheric counterpart. "Do the sensor reads detect the cruiser analog positions at all?" Hoping they hadn't lost their prey already, the Rendili man squinted over his bridge crew's chairs trying to peek at the information and data scrolling over their screens. "I'm sorry Captain, we're getting some pings, but the array is on the fritz given the Mists effects. We can get an approximate location but. . . power fluctuations at ooh nine seven!?"

No sooner did the sensor station's officer speak up did the Inexpugnable Class Command Ship tremble a little as a salvo of turoblaser fire splashed across its forward shields. "Status report now! Get our gunnery crews targeting coodirnates!" Barking out his orders, Veltraa gripped the arm of his chair as he stood, biting his lip as he once again stared out at the mists. "Sir several shots missed the ship, but there were more readings in that salvo than there should have been from the number of cruisers we encountered. I don't think the difference is a result of the Mists hampering our sensors either!" Then either there were more cruisers than they originally saw, or the cruisers they had encountered were heavily modified. "If they missed us then they have trouble seeing us as well and are just trying to hit the big target we are. Keep fighters within comm range and have them probe out to the limit for targeting solutions. Prepare all heavy ion cannons and put our command ship's additional power to shields."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira could see her brother coming up, bright eyed and sticking out of the crowd. They were similar in that respect, people noticed them both in a crowd for various reasons. Laira still liked the idea of being known for her own legacy and her own deeds without being automatically associated with a Mandalorian warrior or renown and one of the most respected Monarchs in the Core. It was a fear that she had that her life would be spent in shadow, constantly compared to them and held to their standard, meanwhile as Laira Darkhold she had been able to travel the galaxy and make friends, crushes, and allies on her own without them ever coming up.

"You look well, Prince Vereen." She retorted, knowing that while alone she was just one of trillions of people, but beside Theo the pieces could start coming together. It wasn't a hard stretch to see Theo with a pretty redhead about his age and assume it was his twin sister. She held the little baggy of evidence out to the Forensics team, "Some sort of hair found down the way." Normally someone would assume it could be anything, and if they collected every piece of hair or skin in the area, they would be backed up for weeks, but she had been drawn to that one.

"Put a rush on it. Theo, we should go check around, see if there were any witnesses that the locals couldn't convince to talk."

[member="Theo Vereen"]